The Never Never

[Rach H]

Hi there, the blogs i have read about people's experience in the Never Never all describe walking from Junction Lake to Hartnett Falls, and not the other way around. I was wondering why this is?

[Hermione]

Not sure why this is, I think it also depends where you plan on finishing your and transport etc. You can do it either way. The very last bit before Juction Lake is a bit uphill but not too long.

[Rach H]

Is it navigationally more difficult going from the Cradle end?

[Hermione]

I don't really think so, you've got the Mersey river to use as a handrail. Although it's becoming a more obvious track because of the amount of walkers using it, it's not maintained. So it's more of a route and you need to find the easiest way through, there are some scrubby sections but nothing horrendous. It can be quite wet if there's been a lot of rain and you need to consider that you've also got to cross the Mersey safely. Where are you planning to start and finish your walk?

[bumpingbill]

I've walked it from the Falls to Junction Lake no worries at all. From memory, we walked down to the Falls then just started following the Mersey. When there was a spot to cross, we crossed and continued through.

[Rach H]

We want to start at Cradle and finish on the junction lake track. Thinking about doing it early April.

[bumpingbill]

Because you're walking on the Overland, you're not technically allowed to do that route in April.

Bookings are required for each walking season (1 October to 31 May).

This is supposed to explain how it works during the booking season: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=37489

"Bushwalkers intending to use part of the OLT, and who do not pay the Overland Track Fee, should, in most cases, not walk more than one overnight segment."

It's somewhat limiting unfortunately.

EDIT: By limiting, I mean that going in via the Arm River Track to Pelion - for example - then up to the Never Never and looping back is further than an overnight segment and thus not allowed. But, if you go in reverse I think that is allowed. That may be why many of the blogs are the way they are (ie from Junction Lake to the Falls)

[eggs]

They can do it - just need to pay the overland track fee..

[Rach H]

That all makes sense. Thanks for your input. We are happy to pay the fee...i think.

[tastrekker]

Here's a link to an uphill trip I did 2 years ago.

[Champion_Munch]

I walked the Never Never last April. We camped at Junction Lake and walked through to PVH but it was a seriously long day (11.5 h). Mr Chapman's time estimates were seriously optimistic. However, something that seemed to be missing from most blogs was how lovely the scenery is (they seem to focus on how difficult and horrible the terrain is - not really true at all). There are some really nice rainforest sections.

[tas-man]

Some previous discussion about the Never Never is in this topic - viewtopic.php?f=42&t=5801